Financial Analyst

Get Set for Cumberlands! Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service. CURRENT STUDENT or

EMPLOYEE?

Please log into Workday and use the Career Tile to find and apply to jobs from our internal career sites. University of the Cumberlands is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Financial Analyst to join the Finance Office. This role provides essential support for financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting functions, with a particular focus on improving reporting processes, supporting campus departments, and assisting with restricted fund monitoring. The role supports the use of data analytics and emerging AI tools to enhance financial reporting, forecasting, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate combines strong accounting and analytical skills with an interest in applying data and technology within a mission-driven private higher education environment. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Analysis Prepare quarterly and annual financial reports, including supporting schedules and reconciliations Oversee that regulatory and institutional reporting requirements are met Perform variance analysis and ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data Maintain financial models, reports, and dashboards to support decision-making Support accounting and financial reporting processes, including journal entry review, account reconciliations, and variance analysis Budget Support Serve as a first point of contact for routine budget inquiries from academic and administrative departments Administer budget-to-actual analysis and help departments understand variances and spending guidelines Prepare, maintain, and monitor annual operating budgets and quarterly reports for Operating and Restricted Accounts Accounting & Compliance Handle account reconciliations, transaction reviews, and month-end/year-end close processes Perform accounting and financial reporting processes, including journal entry review, account reconciliations, and variance analysis Support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to accounting standards Restricted Funds & Reporting Track and monitor departmental restricted funds Support preparation of departmental restricted fund reports Contribute to improving processes for restricted account tracking and reporting Data & Process Improvement Utilize tools such as Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms to enhance reporting and data visualization Support the use of AI and data analytics tools (e.g., automation, anomaly detection, predictive insights) to improve efficiency and accuracy Help document and standardize recurring financial processes to strengthen internal controls

Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field Strong analytical and quantitative skills Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, basic modeling) Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences

Preferred:

Internship or academic experience in financial analysis, accounting, or higher education finance Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) Basic knowledge of data analytics, automation, or AI tools (e.g., Python, SQL, or similar) Skills & Competencies Strong understanding of both financial analysis and accounting fundamentals Curiosity and willingness to apply AI and emerging technologies in financial processes Analytical thinking with a data-driven mindset Strong written and verbal communication skills High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information Willingness to learn and adapt in a mission-driven academic environment Work Environment This position operates in a professional office environment within a private higher education institution. Responsibilities may require extended hours during peak periods such as budget development, audits, and fiscal year-end. The role involves collaboration across departments and engagement with financial, accounting, and data systems that support institutional operations and compliance. Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a "life-more-abundant." Located in the heart of Appalachia, University of the Cumberlands (UC) is an institution of regional distinction that offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 major fields of study, along with several pre-professional, graduate and doctoral programs. With a total enrollment of more than 20,000 students, UC is one of the largest and fastest growing private universities in Kentucky and is devoted to preparing students for the future through hands-on, experiential learning and research. The University of the Cumberlands does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran status, because a person is a smoker or nonsmoker, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University -administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the University may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment, and the University has sought and been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University's religious tenets.